"Why isn't my SOCKS proxy working? Common fixes?"
Hey folks,
So I set up a socks proxy (using SSH tunneling, btw) but it’s just... not working? Websites time out, and my torrent client acts like it’s offline.
Here’s what I’ve tried:
- Double-checked the IP/port (no typos, promise).
- Made sure the proxy server’s actually running (it is).
- Disabled my VPN in case of conflicts.
Still nada. Anyone run into this before?
Weird thing: it *sometimes* works with Firefox but fails everywhere else. Maybe a config issue? Or is my ISP blocking it?
Also, if you’ve got a favorite socks proxy setup for torrenting, lmk. Trying to keep things safe but not overcomplicate it.
Thanks in advance!
(PS: Using Ubuntu, if that helps.)
Hey! Had the same issue last week. Turns out my firewall was blocking the socks proxy port even though the server was running.
Try:
`sudo ufw allow 1080` (or whatever port you're using).
Also, check if your SSH tunnel is stable—sometimes it drops silently.
For torrenting, I use qBittorrent with a socks5 proxy. Works like a charm.
Dude, socks proxies can be finicky with torrents. Some clients straight-up ignore proxy settings.
Try forcing the connection in your torrent client’s advanced settings. Or just use a VPN instead—less hassle.
If Firefox works but others don’t, maybe your system proxy settings are messed up. Check `env | grep proxy` in terminal.
Firefox working but others failing screams DNS leak. Socks proxies don’t always handle DNS properly.
Try forcing DNS through the proxy or use `dnscrypt-proxy`. Also, test with `curl --socks5 localhost:1080 ifconfig.me` to see if the tunnel’s alive.
For torrents, Deluge + socks5 is solid, but yeah, VPNs are simpler.
Ubuntu user here too! Had this exact problem.
Your SSH tunnel might need `-D` flag for dynamic port forwarding. Like:
`ssh -D 1080 user@server -N`
Also, some apps need explicit socks proxy config—check `/etc/environment` or app-specific settings.
ISP blocking? Unlikely, but possible. Test with a different server or port.
If Firefox works, it’s probably a config issue elsewhere. Try `proxychains` for terminal apps:
`proxychains curl ifconfig.me`
For torrenting, socks proxies are okay, but VPNs are way more reliable.
Socks proxy issues are often DNS-related. Try setting `network.proxy.socks_remote_dns` to `true` in Firefox’s `about:config`.
If it works there but not elsewhere, your other apps might be bypassing the proxy.
Torrenting? qBittorrent’s proxy support is decent, but again, VPNs are safer.
Check if your SSH server allows TCP forwarding. Some VPS providers disable it by default.
Edit `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` and make sure `AllowTcpForwarding yes` is set. Then restart SSH.
For torrents, socks proxies are meh—just use a VPN with port forwarding.
Yo, thanks for all the tips! Turns out it *was* a DNS leak—forcing remote DNS in Firefox fixed it for other apps too.
Still tweaking the torrent setup, but `proxychains` worked for CLI stuff. Gonna test qBittorrent next.
Weirdly, my ISP *was* throttling the SSH port. Switched to 443 and it’s smooth now. Appreciate the help!
Weird that it’s intermittent. Could be a MTU issue. Try lowering it:
`sudo ifconfig eth0 mtu 1400`
Also, test with `nc -zv localhost 1080` to see if the socks proxy port is actually listening.
For torrents, socks5 + bind IP in client settings might help.
